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This telescope is a GoTo “robotic mount” which must be controlled either by computer control or the electronic hand paddle. The telescope on the left is a recently acquired Paramount MX mount upon which an Astro-Tech Ritchey–Chrétien 12" OTA has been mounted. It is a low profile scope in that the vertically challenged need only a step stool to get to the eyepiece when the scope is at the zenith. It was originally designed to be transportable and then later modified to be permanently mounted in the observatory. Several of the astronomical league observing programs prohibit the use of digital setting circles or GoTo so this is the scope to use. It is used primarily for visual observing and has tracking but no GoTo. Rightmost is the 12.5" f/5 built in the late ‘70s. Three telescopes permanently mounted inside the observatory building are available to members upon completion of a training session. A chart room, with its desk, reference charts, and two comfortable cots keeps its roof on for use on those cold nights.
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The 16 x 33 main room is cinder block construction with a thick steel roof weighing an estimated 3 tons. A few members have viewed one star of the Southern Cross from this site.
OBSERVATORY HOUSTON FULL
The south wall folds down as well, to gain full access to the southern horizon. The observatory building, with a sliding roof, is home to three telescopes. * For a recounting of the Founder's Day event held at the Observatory in 2014, see the History section of this website.
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Spaces are available for both tent camping and RVs. A permanent restroom building with hot water and showers is a short walk away from the observation field. Another bunkhouse has 2 rooms, designated for women and families is available. The bunkhouse is an air conditioned and heated building that sleeps four. The site features a Male bunkhouse that's available for overnight stays. Rene Gedaly, Field Trip and Observing Committee Chair, organizes these events. Several star parties are held at the site each year, in addition to the Annual Picnic. WiFi is available for remote telescope control or for other computer applications that require the Internet. Electricity for powering telescope tracking devices is available within 50 feet of each pad. The observing field offers 38 concrete pads arranged in a circular pattern to best make use of the horizon. In this aerial view, you can see how our dark site earned its nickname Padhenge *. Society members enjoy dark skies at our observatory located eighty miles west of downtown Houston.